Drone Photography Has Been An Experience

by Penny Bowie, Omni Advertising and Graphics, Inc.

As a professional photographer, I keep up with all the latest in technology when it comes to cameras and I had been watching closely the development of drones. I wanted to purchase one when the camera engineering would complement my business.

I needed a 4K video camera that would capture 12-megapixel photos. It happened. I preordered and received my DJI Inspire 1 the week they hit the U.S. market. My creative world has not been the same. The drone’s camera gives me a whole new perspective in my arsenal of cameras, and delivers amazing results at a fraction of the cost of traditional manned aerial photography service.

But it wasn’t as easy as liftoff and shoot. There was a small learning curve. I had never used a remote control for games, and I am only good at hitting one or two buttons on the TV remote. The drone’s remote gave me some jitters. But on the other hand, I did have around 12 hours of flying time in a Cessna 120. With that, my confidence soared. Just as in flying a plane, you have to be prepared. Before any drone flight, I have to remind myself that if anything happens I can take care of it. If not, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will. The FAA requires every drone owner to register each drone that exceeds 55 pounds.

I have been to a 3-day flight school. I learned how to fly safely, learned the FAA rules, and passed a test. These are the FAA rules:

Fly below 400 feet. Fly within visual line of sight. I have had two major crashes, and one dead drone because of a failure to follow this rule. It’s not only line of sight but also a visual perception of trees being closer than they are, or a telephone line you didn’t see from afar.

Be aware of FAA airspace requirements; don’t fly near aircraft or near airports. I have flown near airports. The protocol requires calling the tower and telling them the area you want to fly in, at what time, and how high. Then you give them your FAA registration number—this is so they can come find you. The tower then grants permission. Recently, I was taking pictures of cattle on a beautiful ranch in north Florida. White-board fence everywhere, pretty green grass up to my waist, lots of cattle out grazing on an open field was the picturesque setting for the day. I was in a little town, with no airport, in the middle of nowhere. It was a perfect place to do some drone photography. I went to crank the drone and the rotors made about two turns; then I saw on my display that I needed permission to fly. I was on the very edge of a no-fly zone of Eglin Air Force Base. Now, I carry an app and always double check the area, even if it’s in the middle of nowhere.

Can’t fly over stadiums or sport events or directly over people, and certainly not fly under the influence. 

In addition, I have my own rules. I always have enough battery power to last at least six hours, just in case the battery decides to die. I never fly when it rains or if winds are high. I like to place a few towels for landing in sandy areas. I also take extra discs and extra battery chargers, and it’s extremely important to obtain permission to fly over someone’s property.

When I’m on a ranch taking still pictures or videos of cattle, we do that early in the morning and late afternoon, because it’s the best time of day for the best photos. In the middle of the day is the best time to do the drone photography. The shadows are cast under the trees at this time. I fly over fields, barns, corrals, rolls of hay, etc., but when it comes to horses or cattle you have to fly with caution. If the cattle are well-handled and are quiet in general, then I can fly really close. If they aren’t handled often, then they take off and we get that National Geographic view of flighty animals. I can always get a few seconds captured, because cattle are curious, but after that it’s time to release the pressure. Now, at my ranch, I can say, my horses and cows are use to me flying the drone around my place. They want to play, run and jump, and come back around the drone for more action. The important thing is to be respectful of the property, whether the space belongs to animals or people.

My “bird” has been a fun business tool as it has flown over the Gulf of Mexico waves and sandy shores, as well as over rivers, lakes, timber tracts, ranches, cows, horses, cowboys, mazes, commercial buildings, homes, and even in buildings. I have traveled over dirt roads, cow trails, and grass fields in all the southern states from Texas to Florida with the drone camera.

The “bird” is definitely a conversation piece with clients and onlookers. It’s social. It’s the new thing. It’s affordable. It’s a workhorse and also recreation. It’s a full-time business and full-time fun. As the photographer and pilot of my “bird,” safety always comes first, but I would encourage anyone with an interest to try drone photography—the views are limitless.